The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-04-01

WHOSE nOrals are Ilke bnyJnlnB DuJ
those of Mrs. Caesar. The query is
how Minister Phelps is to distinguish
as to what American ladies would be
eligible for presentation If they were
British subjects. 1t is quite clear that
the sine qua non of respectability as
interpreted by British standards, means
that you must not have been mixed up
in any public scandal. But, then, the
wives of tradesmen in America are
eminently respectable, and in many
cases with good reason claim to be
ladies, and how is Minister Phelps to
discriminate, and il he does, by what
right can he do so-snd what is his
special fitness for the task.
As an authority on the more ad-
vanced questions of law, his dicta
would unquestionably carry weight,
but when it comes to deciding among
women Of admitted respectabiiity, and
who have money enough to come to
London and buy dress suitable for
the Queens drawingroom, where is
the line to be drawnf Money and re-
spectability there are in plenty in
Americ,, !, hand in hand, and yet, were
these people British subjects, they
would not be eligible for presentation.
l think thus early in the season it be-
hooves our Minister to announce under
what rules and regulations he proposes
to administer the privilege conferred
upon him by the Queen, and let the
American public know in what way he
proposes to rank them in order of pre-
cedence by British standards. Speak
ing Of precedence, the fact that our
mission to England Is not an embassy
regulates our Minister on State occas.
ions to the grade of consuls general.
DC. That this is the source of much
chaerin and many heartburnings it is
hardly necessary TO say.
However he may make his selections
it is quite sure that the amount Of
abuse heaped upon the devoted head Of
the minister by the respectable ladies
who are refused the boon of presenta-
tion will be something appalling. And
it is Just as well to say here that it is
an expensive, uncomfortable and stupid
operation. 1t costs man for uniforms
paraphernalia, &c, nearly $500 to be
presented and as for woman--well,
that depends on her purse and her
dressmaker. And when it is over,
though it may be something to brag
about to friends in America, it will not
in itself secure you, in London, the
entree to a single good house, or one
pleasant invitation. Take my advice,
don't go to Court.
The English society papers say that
the Queen has signified her intention
of visiting the American Exhibition
very soon after the opening, which will
take place on May 2nd without fail.
The work still goes bravely forward.
There are over 1,2OO men now at work
on the grounds, and the lights by which
they work at night can be seen for
miles around the city as they stream
upward toward the black wintry sky
and illuminate the hazy atmosphere.
There was conference of the rep
representatives of all the Railway Com
panies in Great Britain this week, at
which M. Whitley, the Director Gen
eral, Mr.. Speed, the Secretary, and Mr..
Smith, the Chief of Installation, were
present. The object of the meeting
was to discuss the details of the ar
rangements for selling through tickets
from any station in England from
John O'Groats to Lands End, directly
into the grounds. The transportation
men were enthusiastic over the pros
poets of success ard agreed to work in
harmony with each other and with the
Executive staff of the Exhibition to
secure that end in every way possible.
Details of their arrangements will be
announced next month.
When the exhibition was first pro.
jected over three years ago a Council
of Welcome of nearly eight hundred
English noblemen and gentlemen was
formed for the purpose of extending a
hospltable welcome to Americans who
come over to the exhibition. In re-
sponse to a circular letter sent out by
the Honorary Secretary of this Council
recently, over six hundred responses
were received expressing their active
interest in the purpose of the council
and their hospitable feelings. OF the
remainder some were deceased, some
abroad, few i'll, but only three with.
drew, and one of these from religious
motives.
This council is headed by Henry Ed.
ward Cardinal Manning, and includes
over SO peers of the realm, nearly two
hundred lords by courtesy, baronets
and knights, army and navy officers,
mayors OF principal cities, members of
Parliament, aldermen of the City of
London and presidents of scientific
societies, chambers of commerce, &c.
Every now and then curious little
stories leak out about Lord Tennyson's
life and habits. Tennyson's home in
the Isle of Wight is modest one he
has only one man-seryant in the house
but it is as comfortable and pleasant
as most households of the same class.
1t is the poets manners and customs
which give it its individuality. 1t Is
understood that visitors do not disturb
the great mans ways, and that he be-
haves in precisely the same manner
when he has company as when he has
not. Every morning, in hail, rain, or
snow, the poet dons his frowsy cap aud
his frowsier slouch hat, and promenades
for an hour or 80, none daring to dis
turh him. Every day at dinner a bot
| tie of mort Ia nlacpd hafora tho hoat